Diesel Pickups Prepped For Combat
Since 2000, the U.S. Army has been looking for vehicles to replace its aging tactical light-truck fleet. Creating a vehicle from scratch is expensive, so instead, decision makers are looking toward using retrofitted, off-the-shelf, 1-ton trucks from the Big Three. All versions feature a diesel engine, suspension upgrades, and increased electrical capacity. It is interesting to see how the military standardizes the esoteric commercial vehicles with 37-inch tires, tow hooks, and NATO-approved jump-start connectors. Up to this point, the GM version has served some reserve units in North America. The Dodge pictured might remain a concept. The Ford, on the other hand, is being deployed. In March of last year, 300 Ford F-350s were delivered to Iraq. DP
Engine: 6.0L Power Stroke
Horsepower: 325 hp
Torque: 570 lb-ft
Transmission: 5R110
Front axle: Dana 60
Rear axle: Ford 10 1/2-inch
Suspension: Front coil and rear leaf springs with air shocks
Tires: 37x12.50x17
Wheels: 17x8.5 Hutchinson beadlocks
MPG: A hydraulic hybrid system reduces fuel usage 25-35%
GVWR: Chassis and frame structurally enhanced to handle 12,700 pounds
Extras: The Ford features an Eaton-built Hydraulic Launch Assist system, which stores the vehicle's breaking energy and then releases it during acceleration. The unit looks like a small transfer case when it is bolted into the driveline. Hydraulic lines connect to low- and high-pressure reservoirs. This is the same system found on the '02 Ford Mighty F-350 Tonka concept. The Super Duty is the only one without an electric hybrid system although its electrical system was enhanced and provides 12-,24-, and 110-volt power.
Chevrolet Combatt Silvera...
Chevrolet Combatt Silverado
Engine: 6.6L Duramax
Horsepower: 300 hp
Torque: 520 lb-ft
Transmission: Allison-developed Continuously VariableTransmission (CVT) with two built-in electric motors
Front axle: AAM 925
Rear axle: Quadrasteer rear-wheel steering (option)
Suspension: Lifted 6 inches
Tires: 37x12.50x17 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R
Wheels: 17x8.5 Hutchinson beadlocks
MPG: Hybrid motor increases mileage 20%
Fuel Tank: 26 gallons
GVWR: 9,500 pounds
Extras: The Silverado features an onboard hydrogen regenerative fuel cell. Developed by Hydrogenics, this system has the ability to separate hydrogen from water, store it in metal hydride tanks, and then convert it to 5 kW of electricity when needed. In addition to the electricity, the system also creates drinkable water as a by-product.
Engine: 5.9L Cummins 24-valve
Horsepower: 305 hp
Torque: 555 lb-ft
Electric Motor: 35 KW
Transmission: 47RE four-speed automatic
Front axle: Dana 60 with Dana Hydrolock differential
Rear axle: Dana 80 with Dana Hydrolock differential
Suspension: Computer-controlled hydropneumatic system
Tires: 37X12.50x17 MT/R with Dana Central Tire Inflation System
Wheels: 17x8.5-inch Hutchinson beadlocks
MPG: 15% better than conventional Ram
GVWR: 9,900 pounds
Extras: The Ram features a stealth mode thanks to its electric motor, which also functions as a generator. The hydropneumatic suspension provides supple articulation for off-roading, and firm support for hauling heavy loads. The system uses both air movements through the use of a computer.